Definitions

(verb) to drape over; to put on (clothes)
(verb) to open; to spread out; to unroll

Etymology

To put on  fur  also provides the pronunciation

About

is a phono-semantic compound: the hand radical (shǒu) signals an action done with the hands, while (pí, skin or hide) provides both meaning and sound. The character originally depicted putting on a fur garment, giving it the core sense of draping clothing over the shoulders, like a cloak or coat. From this, it broadened to spreading or opening things, unfurling a scroll, opening a book to read, or splitting objects apart.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

上了外套。

Tā pī shàngle wàitào.

He put on his coat.

着红色的围巾。

Tā pīzhe hóngsè de wéijīn.

She is wearing a red scarf.

妈妈上大衣去上班。

Māma pī shàng dàyī qù shàngbān.

Mom put on her coat and went to work.

弟弟着毯子看电视。

Dìdi pīzhe tǎnzi kàn diànshì.

Little brother is watching TV wrapped in a blanket.

阅了那些古老的文件。

Tā pīyuèle nàxiē gǔlǎo de wénjiàn.

He perused those ancient documents.

公司露了最新的财务报告。

Gōngsī pīlùle zuìxīn de cáiwù bàogào.

The company disclosed the latest financial report.

着婚纱的她显得格外美丽。

Pīzhe hūnshā de tā xiǎnde géwài měilì.

She looked exceptionally beautiful wearing the wedding dress.

着朦胧的月色独自漫步。

Tā pīzhe ménglóng de yuèsè dúzì mànbù.

He walked alone draped in the hazy moonlight.